Almost one year ago, my son had a near-drowning event. It is as real to me today as it was a year ago. As we approach the summer season and many pool parties and opportunities to swim, I want to be prepared – and prepare my son – so we can enjoy this season with summer swim safety.
We have been talking about swimming and some things that we will do to ensure that we will be safe. This summer, we will follow a few summer swim safety rules –
-
Take regular breaks so we won’t get fatigued
-
Be well-hydrated and fed, before and during swim time, so we have plenty of energy
-
Wear a life jacket if swimming in the deep end
-
Have one parent – not swimming but keeping eyes on child/children – doing check-ins
-
Establish a schedule :: 30 minutes of swim, then a 10-minute break… whatever works for your family
Last summer, our near-drowning event changed our lives. We could have easily decided that we were full of fear. We chose instead to work through our fear and not let our experiences change us and make us live forever in fear. We are smarter, more prepared, and have healthy rules in place to have a successful summer from here on out.
